Current US national organic standards forbid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge. The benefits of eating organic, using organic body care and cleaning products, wearing organic cotton clothes as well as sleeping on organic bedding and mattresses are numerous, for both your own health as well as for that of the planet.

Better for Your Health

By definition, organic products are free from pesticides, herbicides, and other potentially harmful substances that can damage your health. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from pesticides has been linked to cancer, immune system suppression, nervous system disorders, reproductive damage, and hormone disruption. Many products that are made from conventionally grown crops show pesticide and herbicide residues. Our bodies can get rid of a certain number of toxins that we come in contact with; in fact, our bodies are designed to eliminate toxins. However, the problem we are facing today is that we have many more exposures to chemical toxins than, say 50 years ago. These chemicals come from our food, air, water, body care and cleaning products, home remodeling products and more. Many of us are consequently facing a toxic overload, and our bodies therefore cannot get rid of all the toxins we are taking in.

Using organic products will help to lessen this toxic load. Organic foods also tend to taste better and contain more vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown food. Some organic products are still difficult to find, and a stretch for many of our budgets. However, any switch we can make to organic will be helpful. You don't have to start buying everything organic overnight, in fact, you would probably find that impossible. However, as there is more demand for organic products, the selection will increase and prices will probably decrease.

Better for Babies, Children, Those with Compromised Immune Systems and for Farm Workers.

Babies and children tend to be more vulnerable because their immune systems are immature and they eat more food per pound of body weight than do adults. Those with chronic illness or whose bodies are weakened for any reason are also more at risk. In addition, farm workers are at risk for illnesses caused by pesticide exposure.

Better for Our Environment.

Conventional farming practices have caused many problems in our environment. They adversely affect birds and wildlife as well as fragile ecosystems. It has been estimated that pesticides kill at least 67 million birds in the US each year. In many cases, pesticides applied to fields have led to major ecosystem imbalances that resulted in failed crops. Minor pests can turn into major pests when pesticides eliminate the beneficial insects that keep these pests in check. Drinking water supplies get polluted. Crop dusting has led to "drift" of pesticides from fields to residential neighborhoods and even schools and caused illness. Organic and sustainable farming methods avoid these and many more problems.

In conclusion, eating, drinking and using organic products on a more frequent basis, from food to baby care to clothes, will make all of us healthier. This is especially true for babies, children and those with compromised immune systems. Increasing our consumption of organic products will also have a positive impact on the environment, and the more demand for organic goods, the better the selection and the lower the cost.